I am wondering if any of you are using a pre-filter like this one below. I am also looking for any other ideas on how you are treating you cistern water. This is obviously not for drinking water but I am trying to increase the life cycle of my plumbing and appliances.

here is a link to the unit I am talking about:

https://www.freshwatersystems.com/p...9yg9TcJfbyKTCaPXQMNVKjCQqOAaAqwBEALw_wcB

I use cistern water - have done so for 27 years. Underground concrete tank (water in cool and dark won't grow gunk), foot valve 6" above the floor, allowing sediment to settle below intake. Gave up on the filter a long time ago as it seemed to be more trouble that it was worth. I put liquid bleach in it periodically - a quart of bleach for 24,000 gallons of water. It is very nice, soft water - and for me (and those who have visited me over the years) - drinkable.

Diane so true keep your vats clean purify with bleach as needed no need to buy bottled water! As a kid we used vat water and now in my house in Belize use vat for my drinking water my house has a well but horrible sulfur water. So we drink vat water!

We use well water for toilets and gardens - cistern water for everything else. I love the taste of our cistern water - my people call it 'sky juice'. I think it is better and healthier than the bottled water and is NEVER held in a plastic containers.
When I read the above about bleach I got nervous.
Yes it and chlorine tablets can be used IF THE DRAIN IS NOT TO THE SEPTIC TANK. However, so far we have not found this necessary. We have put chlorine tablets in the well when it has gotten low.
We use a soak-away for grey water - feeds the gardens.
My early days here I found the cleaning ladies were using bleach to clean the bathroom fixtures. If bleach goes into the septic system it kills all the bacteria that breaks down the poop. and your tank may have to be emptied on a regular basis. There are products you can buy to restore the balance OR a handful of dog food periodically will do the same thing.
I found so many things I had to learn here - and it is an education - and can be fun.